Parliamentarians briefed on animal welfare issues at British Veterinary Association reception
The British Veterinary Association held a parliamentary briefing hosted by Huw Irranca-Davies MP last week.
Defra Minister George Eustice, shadow environment secretary Kerry McCarthy and Lib Dem environment spokesperson Baroness Parminter were in attendance. Several members of the Efra select committee, including chair Neil Parish, were also present.
Opening the event, Irranca-Davies praised the “forensic” and “evidence-based” work of BVA on issues such as the treatment of circus animals and the welfare of animals at slaughter, which he said was a “great help” to parliamentarians.
President of BVA Sean Wensley called for an interdisciplinary approach between professions, emphasising that the health and welfare of people, animals and the environment were “intrinsically linked.” In particular he highlighted BVA’s work in promoting responsible use of medicines by vets to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Outlining BVA’s key focuses for the coming year, Wensley called for vets to look to the global stage. With the demand for meat and dairy projected to double by 2050, vets needed to look at global animal welfare to ensure “humane, sustainable agriculture”.
On welfare at slaughter, BVA believed all animals should be stunned before slaughter, but, while current Government policy continues, called for the consideration of immediate post-cut stunning, as a valid means of reducing the suffering of animals at slaughter, and for clearer labelling, to enable better consumer choice for non-stun meat entering the mainstream food chain.
Turning to the controversial badger cull, Wensley reaffirmed BVA’s support for “safe, humane and effective” culling through the “tried and tested” method of cage trapping and shooting, as part of a “comprehensive strategy” for control and eradication.
Highlighting increasing concern amongst vets about the rise in illegal puppy trading, Wensley argued that local authorities needed better resources and training to tackle dog breeding and trade issues. There was an urgent need for cooperation between organisations to put forward “consistent messaging” on the illegal puppy trade, he said.
Concluding his remarks, Wensley called for support for the ongoing campaign for legal protection of the veterinary nurse title, in recognition of the role of veterinary nurses as an essential part of the veterinary team, and encouraged Members to continue to see BVA as a resource on matters of animal health and welfare.
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